Ali Yusuf

Ali Yusuf is a Horn Observer reporter covering southern and central Somalia. After a decade as a radio journalist, Ali joined Horn Observer in 2024.

Jordan Bans Muslim Brotherhood Amid Terror Allegations, Extending Threat to Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The Jordanian authorities have banned the Muslim Brotherhood, ramping up its crackdown on the Islamist group following the arrest of several of its members suspected of plotting large-scale attacks aimed at destabilizing the country.

Trump Administration Weighs Closing U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu As Al Shabab Gains Ground

GAROWE, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The United States Government is reportedly considering closing the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, according to a New York Times report citing American officials.

Al-Shabaab Advances Near Mogadishu as International Partners Call for Unity Against Militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) — Al-Shabaab militants have made significant territorial gains in recent days, seizing control of the strategic Afgoye-Mogadishu and Mogadishu-Balcad corridors, effectively tightening their grip on the outskirts of Somalia's capital.

Somalia's President Narrowly Escapes Al-Shabaab Bomb Attack; Media Station Briefly Shutdown, Dozen Journalists Arrested

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud narrowly survived a bomb attack on Tuesday after his convoy was targeted by a massive explosive, killing several of his bodyguards and civilians, including an online journalist, in the Ceelgaabta neighborhood of Mogadishu.

IWD2025: Women Shaping Change in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Baraarug) – It is not easy to be both a journalist and a woman in Somalia. The country has been embroiled in protracted conflict for over three decades, leaving human rights and women's rights almost nonexistent. Journalists are targeted simply for telling the truth. Women's…

Al-Shabaab Issues Warning Against Land Auctions and Evictions in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Kaab TV/ HORN OBSERVER) – The Somali militant group Al-Shabaab has issued a warning against public land auctions and evictions in Mogadishu, delivering the message at the start of Ramadan.

Tortured, Threatened With Rape: Abdirahman Mumtaas's Ordeal in NISA Detention in Somalia

MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – Somalia's justice system remains weak and plagued by abuse of power. Young people who are detained often face a lack of due process and fair trials. Torture and other forms of mistreatment are widespread. Abdirahman Osman, a young man from Jowhar, shares his ordeal after…

Ethiopia's Abiy Visits Somali Capital Amid Mortar Attack and Lockdown

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER / Kaab TV) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made a brief visit to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, on Thursday, spending less than three hours in the city amid escalating security incidents in the Horn of Africa nation.

Al-Shabaab Launches Terror Attacks, Seizes Military Trucks in Middle Shabelle

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – Al-Shabaab militants carried out coordinated attacks on five districts in the Middle Shabelle region early Thursday, seizing weapons and killing dozens, according to local sources.

Somali Cabinet to Dismiss Judicial, Audit Officials Over Extortion Scandal

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The Somali Council of Ministers is expected to dismiss key judicial and audit officials, including Attorney General Sulayman Mohamoud, Banadir Regional Court Judge Salah Ali Mohamud, and Auditor General Ahmed Isse Gutale, and the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal,…